4. Embedded Linux system architecture

There is no noticeable difference in structure between a classic Linux distribution (Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) and an embedded Linux system, apart from a number of optimizations, including the very selective choice of essential components. Indeed, the inflation of available space on both RAM – several gigabytes – and hard disks – several terabytes – means that a large proportion of the components installed on a development PC/x86 are in fact useless.

This is not the case for an embedded system, and even if the latest smartphones and other set-top boxes have impressive hardware features, rigorous optimization of the operating system is necessary due to the large number of devices distributed (often several million). Even if distribution is restricted, limiting the number of distribution components will guarantee greater reliability and ease of maintenance....